Melbourne United has taken a one-nil lead in the Hungry Jack’s NBL Grand Final series with a decisive 11-point win over the Adelaide 36ers in game one at Hisense Arena.
After an even first quarter which saw its star player Casper Ware forced from the court with an injury, Melbourne had too many weapons for Adelaide and ran out comfortable winners, 107-96, in front 8,699 fans.
Melbourne dominated from the three point line thanks to Chris Goulding who finished with a game high 26 points. After a nasty collision with Mitch Hodgson in the first quarter, Ware returned to the court in the second half to help ice the game for Melbourne and finish with 20 points.
But it was also Melbourne’s depth which proved the difference with Peter Hooley, Dave Andersen, Dave Barlow and Kyle Adnam all playing their roles to perfection when called on.
Daniel Johnson was Adelaide’s highest scorer with 18 points but did not receive enough support from his teammates who will need to lift if they are to square the series in game two at Titanium Security Arena on Sunday.
Game two will tip off at 3pm AEDT and be broadcast live on FOX SPORTS 503 and SBS. Game three of the best of five series will be played at Hisense Arena next Friday March 23.
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